Overview of Domestic Assault Laws in Minnesota

Overview of Domestic Assault Laws in Minnesota

Posted By
Brockton D. Hunter P.A.

Domestic assault is a sensitive subject in Minnesota, no matter how you approach it. Due
to the implications of someone intentionally harming their loved ones,
judges, juries, and the public can quickly label anyone who is accused
as guilty. This often creates an imbalanced criminal justice system that
the alleged offender must navigate to clear their name or reduce their
charges. Any advantage they can get is necessary, and that generally begins
with understanding the groundwork rules of the domestic assault laws in
Minnesota.

Target: Domestic assault must involve harming someone who is a family or household
member of the offender. People who fit into this category include spouses,
ex-spouses, parents, children, blood relatives, current or former roommates,
romantic partners, and people who share children together.

Penalties: Domestic assault can be considered a misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, or
a felony. The legal penalties upon conviction can include imprisonment
up to 5 years and fines up to $10,000; lesser charges will likely include
364 days in jail and $1,000 in fines. Restitution could be ordered to
be paid to the victim. The right to possess or use a
firearm can also be
restricted or removed.

Escalating factors: Misdemeanor domestic assault can be increased to a felony based on a variety
of escalating factors. Some of these factors include the young age of
the victim, inclusion of a deadly weapon during the assault, extent of
damage actually done, and priors of offender.

Have you been accused of domestic assault in Minnesota? You need to act
quickly to start protecting yourself from the possible penalties. Many
people are convicted based on misunderstandings, exaggerations, and entirely
false claims when they do not make an effort to strengthen their defense.

At Brockton D. Hunter P.A., our Minneapolis criminal defense lawyers can
help you in your hour of need. We are highly-rated by our
clients and led by Attorney Hunter, who has been a Minnesota
Super Lawyers® member six years consecutively.
Contact our firm today to request your free consultation.